AutoCAD Tips to Work Smarter - January 2004
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Creating a Simple Linetype
A linetype is a sequence of dashes, spaces, dots, characters or shapes. Linetype definitions are stored in linetype library files. These files have a LIN extension. The ACAD.LIN file is the standard linetype library file that is included with AutoCAD.
Creating a Linetype Within AutoCAD
One of the easiest ways to create a new linetype is to use the -LINETYPE command.
Begin by typing -LINETYPE at the AutoCAD command line and pressing ENTER.
At the
- Enter an option [?/Create/Load/Set]:
prompt, type C and press ENTER. When prompted
- Enter name of linetype to create:
type PropBoundary and press ENTER.
Next, a file dialog box will be displayed allowing you to name the linetype library file that will store your new linetype. The default linetype library file is the ACAD.LIN file. If you choose this file, your new linetype will be added to the file. You can specify a different linetype library file.
AutoCAD will check to see the the PropBoundary linetype exists in the file. If it does exist in the file, you will be asked if you want to overwrite the linetype.
Now you are ready to enter the Descriptive text. The Descriptive text is optional and is used to help visualize the linetype when editing the linetype library file. The maximum number of characters is 47. At the
- Descriptive text:
prompt type the following dashes, dots and spaces followed by ENTER. ___________ _ . _ . _ ___________
The next task is to actually define the linetype pattern. The prompted below will be displayed.
- Enter linetype pattern (on next line):
The next line will display an A,
This indicates the beginning of the linetype pattern.
- Dashes - postive numbers.
- Dot - the number zero.
- Spaces - negative numbers.
The sequence 1,-0.1,0.1,-0.1,0,-0.1,0.1,-0.1,0,-0.1,0.1,-0.1 will create a linetype pattern of a 1.0 dash, a 0.1 space, a 0.1 dash, a 0.1 space, a dot and so on. The pattern must begin with a dash and typically ends with a space, although this is not required.
After you type the linetype pattern, press ENTER.
You will need to manually edit the linetype library file to make changes to your new linetype.
Next month's Tip Sheet will demonstrate how to create a Linetype with Characters using a text editor.